My feet are so flat that my arches actually flex the wrong way. In addition, my right foot was crushed when I was 7 years old. At age 50, I have severe pronation in both ankles. Because of multiple, severe ankle sprains, all the tendons in both ankles are stretched and weak. On top of that, I have arthritis in my feet, ankles and my knees. I have bone spurs in both ankles. I will need to have both knees replaced in a few years, my right knee being the worst. That crush injury when I was 7 caused a permanent limp which has played havoc with my knees and my lower back. My feet often feel like they are full of broken glass. It's a grinding pain I experience whenever I'm on my feet for more than about 15 minutes. Arthritis is also a lovely gift of pain that can flair up at just about any time. This winter here in Michigan was the worst I've ever been through and my feet, ankles and knees told me all about it. I'm actually always in pain. Always. Most of the time it's minor pain that I can deal with and just move on. Other times it's so bad that it brings tears to my eyes and I despair of even getting out of bed. But I get out of bed, pop some pill and keep going. Because if I don't, it will only get worse.

OK, I'm done whining now.